From October to March we have to take this into account the weather gets colder for this reason, this period is called the winter season, in which cases of respiratory diseases are on the rise. Although the covid-19 noHe put into perspective the severity that these can have, we must remember that it is not the only one that presents significant risks, among other diseases is the flu.
With the aim of strengthening health, the population is invited to do so get vaccinated, as this measure is the only way toand prevent hospitalizations and even death.
In an interview with Excelsior, the Dr. Denisse Vaquera, pediatric infectologiststressed the importance of vaccines: “By getting vaccinated we can prevent the complications of the flu, such as hospitalization and death, which is the most important thing. Furthermore, with the vaccine we can prevent the disease to some extent and we can also avoid the transmission of the virus. A Once you are protected and do not get infected, we can indirectly protect other people. It is very important to raise awareness and know that it is not the same as a common cold, as there may be complications that we can avoid with vaccination ” commented the specialist.
The seasonal flu It is an infectious disease caused by a virus that circulates globally, causing 250,000 to 500,000 deaths each year, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).
There was a flu pandemic in Mexico in 2009, however, this condition is now controlled by vaccination. Data from the Directorate General of Epidemiology (DGE) indicate that in Mexico’s seasonal flu season (October 2018 – February 2019), 7,467 cases were confirmed at the end of the season, with 848 deaths. And so far this season (week 9) the accumulated number of cases is 4,536 with 57 deaths, making it the worst season since the start of the covid-19 pandemic.
Because the flu virus changes every year and is easily transmitted, the entire population must be protected. In addition to pregnant women, people between the ages of 5 and 59 living with diabetes, cancer, HIV, among others. are immunized to avoid contracting the disease.
Pregnant women are a risk group and have a higher risk of complications, hospitalization and death, therefore, with the flu vaccination, they prevent the disease and, of course, the complication of hospitalization and death. Vaccinating the pregnant woman means not only protection for her, but also for the baby, since the antibodies pass through the placenta and this indirectly protects the baby, so when it is born it is protected thanks to the mother,” concluded the specialist.
Symptoms
- High fever (above 39°C)
- Cough (usually dry)
- Muscle, joint, head and throat pain
- Intense discomfort and copious nasal discharge. The cough can be intense and last 2 weeks or more.
Risk factors
Influenza is spread from person to person in droplets produced when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
These droplets can fall into the mouths or noses of nearby people.
Another way of contagion can be by touching a surface or object contaminated with the flu virus and then touching the mouth, nose or possibly the eyes.
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